Soft-Shelled Turtle

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Pelodiscus sinensis
• Common Name: Chinese Soft-shelled Turtle

• Adult Size:

  • Males: 18–25 cm (7–10 inches)

  • Females: Up to 33 cm (13 inches)

• Life Expectancy: 20–30 years in captivity (can live longer with excellent care)

• Habitat: Native to East Asia — found in China, Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, and Japan. Inhabits rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes with soft, sandy or muddy bottoms for burrowing.

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size:
  • Juveniles: 100 liters (25+ gallons)

  • Adults: 300+ liters (80+ gallons) with extra floor space

• Ideal Temperature:
  • Water: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

  • Basking area (optional but helpful): 30–32°C (86–90°F)

• pH Range: 6.5–7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderate (4–12 dGH)
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive and territorial; may bite when handled. Best kept alone. Not suitable for housing with other turtles or fish due to their aggressive feeding behavior and tendency to nip or attack.

Diet & Nutrition

• Omnivorous: Yes, primarily carnivorous.
  • Protein Sources: Insects, worms, fish, shrimp, snails, and commercial turtle pellets
  • Vegetation: Occasionally consumes aquatic plants, leafy greens, and fruits
  • Feeding Tip: Feed in a separate container to help maintain water quality

Appearance

• Shell: Flat, leathery, and soft to the touch, lacking the hard scutes of most turtles. Olive to brown coloration with black spots or blotches.
• Skin: Smooth and olive to grayish, with a long neck and an elongated, snorkel-like snout for breathing while submerged
• Limbs: Strong, webbed feet for swimming and digging

Distinctive Features

• Soft, Leathery Shell: More flexible and prone to injury than hard-shelled turtles
• Snorkel-like Nose: Allows it to breathe while staying nearly fully submerged
• Burrowing Behavior: Likes to bury itself in soft substrate, often leaving only the eyes and snout exposed
• Excellent Swimmer: Requires deep water and a soft-bottomed tank
• Fast and Agile: Surprisingly quick both in and out of water; can be aggressive when threatened